Seriously, people, how cool is this stuff: First, artist James Stowe’s interpretation of the Consu from the Old Man’s War series. The Consu, you may recall, are the mysterious hyper-advanced race of aliens who may or may not be messing with everyone’s heads in that creepy alien way of theirs. Stowe’s interpretation of what the Consu are was not what mine was; his is a lot cooler. Here’s a closer and cleaner look at this particular artwork, over at James Stowe’s site.

Second, I was surprised and honored when 2nd Lt. Stephen Silver presented me with insignia by way of thanking me for the good reads. I’m always very happy when someone in our armed forces tells me I’ve managed to get it right in my books, and I think this is another positive affirmation. As I said, very honored.

Thanks to both of them for the gifts. They were highlights of an already supercool Seattle experience.

In other news, I’m in San Francisco at the moment — flight delays kept me from getting in at my appointed time, but that’s not entirely surprising — and I’ve got a couple of hours before I head down to my Half Moon Bay reading. I’m spending it typing (hello!) and jamming sugar and protein down my throat so my brain doesn’t turn into pudding before my reading. This is the exciting touring life.